[Forrest]

It’s often difficult to tell others how you are “really” feeling, isn’t it? Of course, there are many reasons we find it so hard to openly communicate our true feelings and legitimate hurts. I’m not a whiner or complainer and I do not want others to view me as such. Then there’s the positive thinker who refuses to ever let anything get them down, and they’ll tell you things are GREAT, FABULOUS, or TERRIFIC when they aren’t. Sometimes I think we avoid opening up to others from fear of hearing a “sermon” or getting a list of practical steps on how we can escape the pit of trial and torment. And often we simply don’t want to be seen as nonspiritual or someone who is defeated in the Christian life.

If the truth be known, you are really the only one who knows how you feel. Although someone else may have been through a similar trial, nothing compares to your own. Others want to help. They genuinely love and care for you and wish they could somehow make things all better. But experience is teaching me to be “swift to hear and slow to speak.” Just listen without judging. Don’t give advice or recommendations. Be approachable. Be a friend. A brother or sister in Christ.

I’ve discovered that it’s not necessary for others to understand how I feel. I have personally found great comfort and encouragement in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The passage that has helped me the most is:”Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Jesus is touched with the “feeling” of my infirmity (weakness). He knows! Therefore I can go boldly [with full confidence] to the throne of His abundant grace and obtain mercy and find grace to help in my time of need. Wow! Jesus understands and knows how I’m feeling. Turn to Jesus, our Great High Priest.